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Brace Yourself
"Highly Recommend! Any fans of Bridget Jones type rom coms, the ‘chick lit’ genre and anyone with a chronic illness is going to love this one! The story flows really well, is definitely very witty and the lead character is so likable, she becomes like a friend."
Blogger & reviewer Natalie,
"A snort and two chuckles on every page. Reading this is like hanging out with your best friend!"
Author Heleen Kist - 5 stars!
"If you want to know about the struggles a ‘spoonie’ goes through, read Brace Yourself for a better understanding. The ending was very touching as well. I rated it 5 stars"
Author, Blogger & Reviewer Tessa Hastjarjanto,
Brace Yourself is a light-hearted look at the atypical life of ‘nice’ Lizzy, who doesn’t understand why her body and her men always let her down. Looking to regain control of her life in this rom-com with a twist, will Lizzy’s bright-side attitude finally attract the perfect partner?
We join Lizzy on her humorous journey through a series of painful disasters. With bad choices, bad men and bad Doctors behind her, can Lizzy finally brace herself for a comfortable life?
“Witty, fun and spot on!”
“We need more books like yours!”
“Loved, loved, loved this book – couldn’t put it down!”
“Light, entertaining, and informative”
“A funny and very well written book”
“I read the ‘look inside’ pages and simply had to know what happened next. Lizzy is an engaging character and her story is well written.”
“Excellent, could picture every moment vividly!”
“It’s a true page turner. It made me laugh out loud.”
“Nice story about a nice lady, I'll be in the lookout for more!”
Lizzy spent much of her life negotiating undiagnosed Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTs), Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and associated conditions. Rated 5 stars by fellow ‘Spoonies’ and ‘Zebras’, with plenty of relatable moments, this un-putdownable novel combines rom-com with Lizzy's health struggles until she finally gets her diagnosis.
The author brings the often-hidden topic of chronic illness into a mainstream novel, combining all the best bits of a rom-com with awareness about life with rare or invisible health problems.
Brace Yourself is a must read!
Blogger & reviewer Natalie,
"A snort and two chuckles on every page. Reading this is like hanging out with your best friend!"
Author Heleen Kist - 5 stars!
"If you want to know about the struggles a ‘spoonie’ goes through, read Brace Yourself for a better understanding. The ending was very touching as well. I rated it 5 stars"
Author, Blogger & Reviewer Tessa Hastjarjanto,
Brace Yourself is a light-hearted look at the atypical life of ‘nice’ Lizzy, who doesn’t understand why her body and her men always let her down. Looking to regain control of her life in this rom-com with a twist, will Lizzy’s bright-side attitude finally attract the perfect partner?
We join Lizzy on her humorous journey through a series of painful disasters. With bad choices, bad men and bad Doctors behind her, can Lizzy finally brace herself for a comfortable life?
“Witty, fun and spot on!”
“We need more books like yours!”
“Loved, loved, loved this book – couldn’t put it down!”
“Light, entertaining, and informative”
“A funny and very well written book”
“I read the ‘look inside’ pages and simply had to know what happened next. Lizzy is an engaging character and her story is well written.”
“Excellent, could picture every moment vividly!”
“It’s a true page turner. It made me laugh out loud.”
“Nice story about a nice lady, I'll be in the lookout for more!”
Lizzy spent much of her life negotiating undiagnosed Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTs), Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and associated conditions. Rated 5 stars by fellow ‘Spoonies’ and ‘Zebras’, with plenty of relatable moments, this un-putdownable novel combines rom-com with Lizzy's health struggles until she finally gets her diagnosis.
The author brings the often-hidden topic of chronic illness into a mainstream novel, combining all the best bits of a rom-com with awareness about life with rare or invisible health problems.
Brace Yourself is a must read!
213 pages, Paperback
Published August 24, 2018
17 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 25, 2019
I have always fancied the idea of writing a book with a disabled or chronically ill character, so was really excited to read this and see how it worked. I loved the cover of the book, and the subtle nods to things like the zebra (the EDS spirit animal) which people in the chronic illness community will love.
Any fans of Bridget Jones type rom coms, the ‘chick lit’ genre and anyone with a chronic illness is going to love this one! The story flows really well, is definitely very witty and the lead character is so likable, she becomes like a friend. I loved the fact that there was a story alongside the chronic illness, which shows people that our lives don’t solely revolve around our illnesses. For Lizzy in this book, that centers around the world of dating post divorce. Her chronic illness throws some often hilarious spanners into the works, as well as the usual dating nightmares that can exist.
Being chronically ill I could identify with so much of what Lizzy was going through in the book. It was so good reading something like that as there are very few books I have come across that I can relate to in this way. You will find yourself laughing out loud thinking that happened to me too, as well as commiserating, thinking I know ow she feels etc.
I believe this will be the first in a series of books about Lizzy and I really hope that is true. She is a fantastic character and I really enjoyed this one so would love to read more.
I was gifted this book in return for an honest review
Any fans of Bridget Jones type rom coms, the ‘chick lit’ genre and anyone with a chronic illness is going to love this one! The story flows really well, is definitely very witty and the lead character is so likable, she becomes like a friend. I loved the fact that there was a story alongside the chronic illness, which shows people that our lives don’t solely revolve around our illnesses. For Lizzy in this book, that centers around the world of dating post divorce. Her chronic illness throws some often hilarious spanners into the works, as well as the usual dating nightmares that can exist.
Being chronically ill I could identify with so much of what Lizzy was going through in the book. It was so good reading something like that as there are very few books I have come across that I can relate to in this way. You will find yourself laughing out loud thinking that happened to me too, as well as commiserating, thinking I know ow she feels etc.
I believe this will be the first in a series of books about Lizzy and I really hope that is true. She is a fantastic character and I really enjoyed this one so would love to read more.
I was gifted this book in return for an honest review
February 8, 2019
Unputdownable!
I decided to download this book to read after it popped up on my Facebook feed.
I'm so pleased I did, this is a very witty book written by a lady that genuinely suffers from these medical conditions but yet manages to remain upbeat and whilst dealing with the constant pain and fatigue has to deal with all the other shit that life has thrown her, divorce, being a single mum and being treated so appallingly by a total twat!
She's an amazing lady and a true inspiration and every woman certainly needs to be lucky enough to have/know a 'Lizzy' in their life.
I will certainly be waiting for another book from this brilliant author.
I decided to download this book to read after it popped up on my Facebook feed.
I'm so pleased I did, this is a very witty book written by a lady that genuinely suffers from these medical conditions but yet manages to remain upbeat and whilst dealing with the constant pain and fatigue has to deal with all the other shit that life has thrown her, divorce, being a single mum and being treated so appallingly by a total twat!
She's an amazing lady and a true inspiration and every woman certainly needs to be lucky enough to have/know a 'Lizzy' in their life.
I will certainly be waiting for another book from this brilliant author.
October 2, 2021
I'm always looking for more books with physical disability representation. In my opinion there are still way too few heroines with an illness and therefore I really want to support the ones who are there. And one day, when I was scrolling through some blogpost recommending books with a disabled lead, I came across this book. It sounded quite cute and quite light. One day I'm gonna write a romcom with a disabled girl, I hoped this book could inspire me.
I have to admit that after reading the book I'm a little bit disappointed, because I'm not entirely sure what this book is supposed to be about. If it is meant to be a cute story about a disabled girl finding love, the chapters with very detailed descriptions of treatments and therapy are too dominant. If this book is about what it is to live life with a chronic illness, the book never shows the emotions behind all the treatments, therapy and pain.
I know it's a very thin line to walk. There is a reason my book isn't there yet. If you dive too deep into the emotions, the book gets heavy quite easily, but if you don't dive into it enough the readers see a list of things, but never really feel the impact of all those things. I think this book certainly forgot the emotions completely in its attempt to keep things light and to focus on the positivity. It is a little like I sound when telling my story to a stranger while acting all brave and happy.
And that's another thing I'm not entirely sure about. In the end
I have to admit that after reading the book I'm a little bit disappointed, because I'm not entirely sure what this book is supposed to be about. If it is meant to be a cute story about a disabled girl finding love, the chapters with very detailed descriptions of treatments and therapy are too dominant. If this book is about what it is to live life with a chronic illness, the book never shows the emotions behind all the treatments, therapy and pain.
I know it's a very thin line to walk. There is a reason my book isn't there yet. If you dive too deep into the emotions, the book gets heavy quite easily, but if you don't dive into it enough the readers see a list of things, but never really feel the impact of all those things. I think this book certainly forgot the emotions completely in its attempt to keep things light and to focus on the positivity. It is a little like I sound when telling my story to a stranger while acting all brave and happy.
And that's another thing I'm not entirely sure about. In the end
September 23, 2019
(3.5). This could’ve easily been a five star book but the references to the me too movement just didn’t sit right for me especially being such a personal thing. However, I did enjoy the narrative and the raw honesty of chronic illness. The protagonist herself has many illnesses I do so it was truly wonderful to see myself represented
April 11, 2019
Light, chatty, romantic.
July 27, 2020
Biased because I have POTS & hypermobility just like the protagonist, Lizzy.
It was refreshing to read a “chick lit” type book where the character had a chronic illness. I think partners & friends of people with these conditions should read this because it gets across the key points without being a medical textbook.
Well rounded characters, a few funny moments, a thread of “love story” in the background but not really the focus.
Would recommend :)
It was refreshing to read a “chick lit” type book where the character had a chronic illness. I think partners & friends of people with these conditions should read this because it gets across the key points without being a medical textbook.
Well rounded characters, a few funny moments, a thread of “love story” in the background but not really the focus.
Would recommend :)
August 10, 2019
Like reading about myself!
Reading Lizzy's story felt like reading about myself. Her many diagnoses and mis-diagnoses was familiar. This is a well written story about a subject too many of us face. If you have POTS or Ehlers Danlos Syndrome you'll find yourself in this enjoyable, humorous book!
Reading Lizzy's story felt like reading about myself. Her many diagnoses and mis-diagnoses was familiar. This is a well written story about a subject too many of us face. If you have POTS or Ehlers Danlos Syndrome you'll find yourself in this enjoyable, humorous book!
January 5, 2020
Zebra strong! <3
Most of the books and resources out there seem to be non-fiction. I do a LOT of research, being both a medical zebra (the list at the back is about 85% descriptive of my own conditions, plus I have others not listed - though I do have both heads and fibro co-morbidly) as well as a nearly 20 year veteran of the disability services and vocational rehabilitation field. I advocate, I write, I co-admin a number of Facebook groups for EDS, and I often wish that I could read something light and fun that had characters even just a little bit like me. I read a lot of fantasy/sci-fi instead for the very reason that I often don't really relate to "modern world" fictional characters and their challenges. (Unless they're mysteries or psychological or forensic thrillers, etc.)
That said, I specifically picked this book up because the protagonist Could. Be. Me. Though I am not from the UK, I have lifelong friends from there, have been there a number of times, and know quite a bit about the healthcare system as well from my co-admins on FB. (Ad my parents wisely raised us on a combination of documentaries and Britcoms, with Saturday morning cartoons to round out our tv viewing diet. I own VHS copies of the first run of Red Dwarf and now am up to current on DVD, Doctor Who, Blackadder, Are You Being Served?, The Brittas Empire, Fawlty Towers, and of course, Monty Python...the list goes on...) The terminology in this lovely book thus didn't throw me off one bit.
It was amazing to find myself smiling and nodding throughout, thinking, "She GETS it." Fantastic writing structure and pacing, too. There were only a couple places where it appears autocorrect/Word didn't catch an incorrect word - one was near the end of the story but I can't think of what it was now, might have been "weather" vs "whether" or something of the sort. It caught my eye as I'd been a professional proofreader and editor for a time, but it was nowhere NEAR my finely-tuned threshold for cringing. I only mention it because the last few pages of the book requested it of me. :)
All in all, a wonderful treat and a great recounting of how things can and often do work out (or don't) for those of us with these sorts of conditions. I write this now with my ring splints on, adjustable bed just now lowered, heating pad on my back, and within arm's reach of my neck brace as I attempt to slowly lever myself out of bed without getting dizzy enough to fall over. I see YOU. Thank you for writing this and sharing it with the world. Love this book, and love the character of Lizzy as well as her creator.
Zebra strong, the whole dazzle of us. :)
Most of the books and resources out there seem to be non-fiction. I do a LOT of research, being both a medical zebra (the list at the back is about 85% descriptive of my own conditions, plus I have others not listed - though I do have both heads and fibro co-morbidly) as well as a nearly 20 year veteran of the disability services and vocational rehabilitation field. I advocate, I write, I co-admin a number of Facebook groups for EDS, and I often wish that I could read something light and fun that had characters even just a little bit like me. I read a lot of fantasy/sci-fi instead for the very reason that I often don't really relate to "modern world" fictional characters and their challenges. (Unless they're mysteries or psychological or forensic thrillers, etc.)
That said, I specifically picked this book up because the protagonist Could. Be. Me. Though I am not from the UK, I have lifelong friends from there, have been there a number of times, and know quite a bit about the healthcare system as well from my co-admins on FB. (Ad my parents wisely raised us on a combination of documentaries and Britcoms, with Saturday morning cartoons to round out our tv viewing diet. I own VHS copies of the first run of Red Dwarf and now am up to current on DVD, Doctor Who, Blackadder, Are You Being Served?, The Brittas Empire, Fawlty Towers, and of course, Monty Python...the list goes on...) The terminology in this lovely book thus didn't throw me off one bit.
It was amazing to find myself smiling and nodding throughout, thinking, "She GETS it." Fantastic writing structure and pacing, too. There were only a couple places where it appears autocorrect/Word didn't catch an incorrect word - one was near the end of the story but I can't think of what it was now, might have been "weather" vs "whether" or something of the sort. It caught my eye as I'd been a professional proofreader and editor for a time, but it was nowhere NEAR my finely-tuned threshold for cringing. I only mention it because the last few pages of the book requested it of me. :)
All in all, a wonderful treat and a great recounting of how things can and often do work out (or don't) for those of us with these sorts of conditions. I write this now with my ring splints on, adjustable bed just now lowered, heating pad on my back, and within arm's reach of my neck brace as I attempt to slowly lever myself out of bed without getting dizzy enough to fall over. I see YOU. Thank you for writing this and sharing it with the world. Love this book, and love the character of Lizzy as well as her creator.
Zebra strong, the whole dazzle of us. :)
July 16, 2019
Zebra Love
I discovered this book on twitter via some EDS Zebras I follow. This started out light hearted and I really enjoyed it. I love the chronic illness angle and the easy to read explanations. I feel this makes it easy to understand for those who are not in the community. However after awhile it felt like I was sitting on a waiting room listening to the woahs of someone with my same illnesses. Isn’t this supposed to be a light hearted rom com, With my disability providing the com part? Eventually it got back around and I enjoyed the ending so I’m leaving the 4 stars.
I discovered this book on twitter via some EDS Zebras I follow. This started out light hearted and I really enjoyed it. I love the chronic illness angle and the easy to read explanations. I feel this makes it easy to understand for those who are not in the community. However after awhile it felt like I was sitting on a waiting room listening to the woahs of someone with my same illnesses. Isn’t this supposed to be a light hearted rom com, With my disability providing the com part? Eventually it got back around and I enjoyed the ending so I’m leaving the 4 stars.
November 27, 2019
Loved this book! :)
An excellent portrayal of a life many of us can nod to if you have a chronic illness especially those mentioned. Fantastically and sympathetically tackled. Well done xxx
An excellent portrayal of a life many of us can nod to if you have a chronic illness especially those mentioned. Fantastically and sympathetically tackled. Well done xxx
October 13, 2020
So Relatable!
It’s so nice to see a main character that I can relate to! A friend recommended this book to me and I kept telling her I felt like they wrote the book about me! I was mind blown.
It’s so nice to see a main character that I can relate to! A friend recommended this book to me and I kept telling her I felt like they wrote the book about me! I was mind blown.
December 22, 2022
I loved parts of this but other parts didn't work for me. At one point the MC goes on a rant against the MeToo movement and my jaw absolutely dropped. Just... why?
August 22, 2021
This book follows the story of a young woman with undiagnosed chronic illness (POTs and EDS) until she managed to get diagnosed, and the follows her through treatment. As someone who suffers from this condition/disability, it very accurately portrays some of the feelings us POTsies experience - the physical sensations, but also the mental and emotional tolls it can take at times. It's pretty short and quick read.
May 17, 2025
A witty and honest look at adolescence, change, and the awkwardness that comes with both. The voice is strong, with moments that feel both sharp and sincere. The story balances humor with vulnerability, especially in how it handles themes like self-image and growing up. Pacing moves well, and the supporting cast adds texture without pulling focus. A solid debut with heart and a clear perspective.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews